Building a private house is a long process involving dozens of trades. Success is decided by early planning and orderly management: building permits, structural work, closing the envelope, installing services and finally the finishing works. Every stage depends on the one before it, so coordination and a binding schedule are critical.
Stages of building a private house
- Design and permits – architect, structural engineer and consultants, then submission to the local planning committee. Licensing is measured in months, not weeks.
- Ground preparation and foundations – soil investigation, excavation, shoring and pouring foundations according to the soil type.
- Structure – columns, beams and slabs, with laboratory testing of concrete and reinforcement inspection before every pour.
- Envelope and waterproofing – closing the building against the weather: exterior plaster, cladding, waterproofing and insulation.
- Services – electrical, plumbing, HVAC and gas, in the right order and before walls are closed.
- Finishing works – drywall, skim and paint, flooring and cladding, and finish details.
- Handover – inspections, a handover protocol and a written warranty.
Holding budget and schedule
Budget is held with a detailed bill of quantities prepared in advance, and the schedule is held with a programme every trade is committed to. Two rules prevent most overruns: close every selection before work begins, and reserve 10-15 percent for what the ground and the structure will reveal.
Who manages the project
A full build involves an architect, a structural engineer, consultants and several contractors. The important question is who coordinates them all. When responsibility is split, every gap between parties falls on you. With us a single party manages the entire chain – from structure to key.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to build a private house?
From permit to handover, usually 12 to 24 months, depending on size, design complexity, ground conditions and contractor availability. The licensing process itself is additional.
How much does it cost to build a house?
The cost is built in layers: land, design and fees, earthworks, structure, envelope, services, finishing and external works. There is no uniform price per square metre.
Can building start before the permit is issued?
No. Building without a permit exposes you to demolition orders, fines and difficulty selling later. It is not a risk worth taking under any scenario.
What is the difference between a structural and a finishing contractor?
The structural contractor is responsible for stability, the envelope contractor closes the building against the weather, and the finishing contractor turns it into a home. See the differences explained here.
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